Field of application
[0001] The present invention regards a fabric roller blind according to the preamble of
the independent claim 1.
[0002] The present fabric roller blind is intended to be advantageously employed for adjustably
closing openings in walls of buildings, in particular for windows, for doors, for
French windows and similar doors/windows/shutters.
[0003] Preferably, the fabric roller blind, object of the present patent, is blind-like
or mosquito netting of the type with vertical handle bar which closes and opens the
opening by means of a horizontal translation of the same handle bar.
[0004] The blind, object of the present invention, is therefore inserted in the industrial
field of production of doors/windows/shutters i.e. also in the field of production
of sheets for sun protection, in the field of mosquito netting or similar applications.
State of the art
[0005] Known on the market are fabric roller blinds for closing openings of doors/windows/shutters
(such as windows, doors or French windows), which are provided with a rolling shutter
box, vertically fixed to a lateral upright of the building wall that defines the opening
to be closed, and housing at its interior a roller on which a flexible covering sheet
is susceptible of being wound and unwound.
[0006] The sheet usually has rectangular shape and is provided with a first lateral edge
fixed to the roller and with a second lateral edge opposite the first lateral edge
and fixed to a handle bar aimed to stretch the sheet itself during a movement thereof
along a horizontal direction.
[0007] In addition, the blind usually comprises two guides placed horizontally along the
corresponding upper and lower walls which define the opening and to which the handle
bar is slidably constrained.
[0008] In particular, the handle bar usually comprises an aluminum section, which is closed
at its upper and lower ends by two terminations slidably engaged in the respective
horizontal guides.
[0009] Normally, each of the upper and lower horizontal guides is generally obtained by
means of an aluminum section fixed to the upper or lower wall which defines the opening.
Each aluminum section of the two guides is provided with a longitudinal slit which
is extended along the extension of the same profile and which slidably houses, at
its interior, the corresponding upper or lower termination of the handle bar.
[0010] The handle bar is movable by a user between an open position, in which it is side-by-side
the rolling shutter box with the sheet completely wound around the roller, so as to
free the opening to be screened, and a closed position, in which the handle bar is
side-by-side the opposite lateral wall with the sheet substantially completely unwound
from the roller and placed to close the opening.
[0011] In operation, starting from the open position, the user grips the handle bar and
drives it along the horizontal guides up to the desired position, for example up to
the closed position, in which the sheet is placed to totally cover the opening.
[0012] During this movement, the upper and lower terminals of the handle bar respectively
slide along the upper and lower guides.
[0013] The blinds of known type described briefly up to now have in practice shown that
they do not lack drawbacks.
[0014] A first drawback of the blinds of known type lies in the fact that such fabric roller
blinds do not ensure a precise and uniform movement of the handle bar.
[0015] More in detail, in the event in which the handle bar is not gripped precisely at
the midpoint of its height, but in a non-centered position, the latter is stressed
to be moved more at the guide closer to where the handle bar has been gripped and,
on the contrary, to a lesser extent at the guide further away from where the handle
bar has been gripped. This causes a misalignment between the two ends of the handle
bar, with one end of the handle bar more advanced in the direction of its movement
and one end more retreated in the direction of its movement. Such misalignment of
one end with respect to the other of the handle bar brings the handle bar to not be
able to freely slide and hence to be blocked, and the windable fabric to be stretched
in a non-uniform manner, forming folds that can in the long term also lead to deterioration
and hence even to breakage of the sheet itself, in addition to being not very nice
aesthetically, in particular if "fixed" on the fabric.
[0016] In order to at least partially overcome such drawbacks of the abovementioned prior
art, fabric roller blinds were developed which are provided with means for aligning
the terminations of the handle bar in order to maintain the aforesaid terminations
vertically aligned during the movement of the same handle bar between the open and
the closed positions.
[0017] For example, known from the patent
EP 3670820 is a fabric roller blind, which is provided with the main members and components
described above and with alignment means housed in the handle bar. More in detail,
the means for aligning the aforesaid fabric roller blind comprise two guide chains
(or "carriage" in the technical jargon of the field) that are connected to each other.
[0018] In particular, the alignment means comprise an upper guide chain and a lower guide
chain, and each of which comprises a plurality of carriage elements, pivoted to each
other in succession and capable of rotating with respect to each other only in one
rotation sense, so as to attain, when extended, aligned in succession, a rigid member
in the opposite rotation sense susceptible of attaining a guide for the sheet.
[0019] Each guide chain is extended between a first end, placed inside the cavity made on
the handle bar and constrained to the first end of the other guide chain, and a second
end.
[0020] More in detail, the second end of the upper guide chain is fixed to a first vertex
of the support structure, placed on an upper portion of the latter, while the second
end of the lower guide chain is fixed to a second vertex of the support structure,
placed on a lower portion of the latter and opposite the first vertex. In this manner
the two guide chains form an S shape.
[0021] When the blind is moved from the open position to the closed position, the guide
chains are free to mutually slide, and in particular the lower guide chain is driven
outside the vertical seat of the handle bar during the blind closing step, setting
itself on the lower wall (usually the floor or a window sill) which delimits the opening
to be screened, thus acting as lower guide for the sheet. Otherwise, during the blind
opening step, the upper chain is driven outside the seat made in the handle bar, which
is extended along the upper portion of the support structure.
[0022] The above-described fabric roller blind of known type also comprises adjustment means,
adapted to allow the adjustment of the mutual position of the two guide chains. More
in detail, following the installation step, it is necessary to adjust the mutual position
between the two guide chains so as to allow the handle bar to be placed perfectly
vertical, with its upper termination aligned with the opposite lower termination.
[0023] Indeed in the event in which one of the two guide chains is more tensioned than the
other, this would tend to tilt the handle bar.
[0024] For such purpose, as mentioned above, the fabric roller blind of known type is provided
with adjustment means, which comprise a first adjustment body, fixed to the upper
guide chain, and a second adjustment body, fixed to the lower guide chain.
[0025] The two adjustment bodies are mechanically connected in an adjustable manner, in
order to vary the mutual distance thereof and thus allow varying the distance between
the first ends of the guide chains.
[0026] More in detail, the first adjustment body comprises a longitudinal guide, which is
extended along a direction parallel to that of extension of the handle bar towards
the second adjustment body and defines a through slot. In order to connect the first
and the second adjustment body, a fixing screw is provided, which is fixed to the
second adjustment body with the longitudinal guide of the first adjustment body interposed.
In this manner, the screw is placed in abutment with its head against the longitudinal
guide, while the stem is placed to traverse the through slot in order to be fixed
to the second adjustment body. In this manner it is possible to fix the first and
the second adjustment body at the desired mutual distance in order to selective approach
and move away the first ends of the guide chains.
[0027] Such fabric roller blind of known type has in practice shown that it does not lack
drawbacks.
[0028] A first drawback lies in the fact that in order to allow the correct adjustment of
the guide chains, the handle bar must be made accessible for an operator, so as to
allow the latter to adjust the distance between the first and the second adjustment
body and fix, by means of the screw, the entire item at the end of adjustment. This
means that the handle bar must be produced by means of two components which are connected
together, for example a first C-section and a closure cover plate, or two C-sections
connected to each other. The attainment of a handle bar by means of two separate elements
that are joined together involves an increase of costs related both to the manpower
necessary for the mounting and fixing, and for the production of the handle bar, for
example relative to the raw material and to the molds to be made for producing two
separate elements.
[0029] A further drawback lies in the fact that the use of two separate sections involves
a shrinking of the space for the warehouse storage and also determines, in particular
for light sections, a greater risk of damage during the step of connecting the two
sections.
[0030] A further drawback lies in the fact that in order to carry out a precise adjustment
of the guide chains it is necessary for the operator to have a specific training and
time is necessary for installation in order to access the adjustment means inside
the handle bar. In addition, such adjustment operation, also in the case of training,
is attained by means of successive attempts and not in an automated manner.
[0031] A further drawback lies in the fact that following the initial mounting, during the
normal use of the present blind, it is possible that the handle bar is non-aligned
from the verticality condition, for example following accidental impact or unwise
movements of the handle bar itself. In such cases, it is necessary for the intervention
of a specialized technician, who will have to open the handle bar and newly adjust
the distance between the guide chains, with a consequent increase of costs for the
final user.
Presentation of the invention
[0032] In this situation, the problem underlying the present invention is to provide a fabric
roller blind, which has a handle bar that can be perfectly aligned even without requiring
the intervention of an operator.
[0033] A further object of the present invention is to provide a fabric roller blind, which
has a handle bar that is simple and inexpensive to attain.
[0034] Another object of the present invention is to provide a fabric roller blind, which
is capable of simply and easily recovering the aforesaid alignment even following
impact or incorrect movements.
[0035] Another object of the present invention is to provide a fabric roller blind, which
is entirely reliable in operation, and in particular capable of ensuring the aforesaid
alignment even after a prolonged use over the years, without requiring a periodic
maintenance.
[0036] Another object of the present invention is to provide a fabric roller blind, which
is structurally simple and inexpensive to attain and install.
Brief description of the drawings
[0037] The technical characteristics of the invention, according to the aforesaid objects,
can be clearly seen in the contents of the below-reported claims and the advantages
thereof will be more evident in the following detailed description, made with reference
to the enclosed drawings, which represent a merely exemplifying and non-limiting embodiment
of the invention, in which:
- figure 1 shows a front view of the fabric roller blind, object of the present invention,
with a handle bar in intermediate position between an open position and a closed position;
- figure 2 shows the front view of the fabric roller blind of figure 1 with several
characteristics transparent in order to better illustrate other characteristics;
- figure 3 shows a perspective view of a detail of the blind illustrated in figure 1,
relative to synchronization chains and adjustment means;
- figure 4 shows a detail in perspective view of the fabric roller blind, object of
the present invention, relative to the adjustment means of figure 3, in an exploded
view.
Detailed description of a preferred embodiment
[0038] With reference to the enclosed drawings, reference number 1 overall indicates the
fabric roller blind, object of the present invention.
[0039] The fabric roller blind 1 is operatively employable for adjustably closing an opening
A of a door/window/shutter, for example of a window, or a door or of a French window,
made in a structure such as for example the building wall of a building.
[0040] In accordance with the invention the fabric roller blind 1, object of the present
invention, comprises a support frame 2 intended to be fixed at an opening A of a building.
The latter is for example usually defined at least between two lateral walls, one
upper wall and one lower wall of the structure of the building.
[0041] Advantageously, the support structure 2 comprises a lateral upright 21 and at least
one lateral abutment element 22, opposite the lateral upright 21, which substantially
define the flanks of the support structure 2 of the fabric roller blind 1 and are
susceptible of being fixed to the aforesaid lateral walls defining the opening A of
the building. Preferably, the lateral upright 21 of the support structure 2 comprises,
or directly defines, a rolling shutter box 20 intended to be positioned laterally
with respect to the opening A to be screened.
[0042] Advantageously, the rolling shutter box 20 is a hollow tubular section, in particular
obtained with an aluminum extrusion, which is extended with substantially vertical
axis between two opposite upper and lower ends.
[0043] Advantageously, the lateral abutment element 22 is part of the support structure
2 and is preferably a U-shaped section, so as to internally delimit a cavity. Alternatively,
the aforesaid lateral abutment element 22 can be a tubular element, with circular
or polygonal section, internally hollow, e.g. obtained by means of folding operations.
In particular, the lateral abutment element 22 is preferably obtained with an aluminum
extrusion, which is extended parallel to the lateral upright 21 with substantially
vertical axis between two opposite upper and lower ends.
[0044] Of course, the abutment element 22, can nevertheless also be obtained as a separate
element, not constituting part of the support structure 2 and for example constituted
by the internal wall of the load-bearing structure of the building which defines the
opening A for the blind.
[0045] Advantageously, moreover, the support structure 2 comprises an upper guide 23, which
is preferably extended between the lateral upright 21 and the abutment element 22,
to which it is preferably mechanically connected, and it is advantageously fixed to
the upper wall defining the opening A of the building.
[0046] Preferably the support structure 2 comprises a lower guide 24, which is extended
preferably between the lateral upright 21 and the abutment element 22, to which it
is preferably mechanically connected, and is advantageously fixed to the lower wall
defining the opening A of the building i.e. to the ground.
[0047] Of course, without departing from the protective scope of the present invention,
the support structure 2 can lack the lower guide 24, also known as "ground guide",
in order to allow an improved accessibility through the blind 1.
[0048] Advantageously, the blind 1 also comprises a take-up roller, having a substantially
vertical rotation axis X and rotatably constrained to the lateral upright 21 of the
support frame 2 and preferably housed within the rolling shutter box 20.
[0049] Advantageously, the blind 1 also comprises a sheet 4, which has shape, once extended,
preferably rectangular and is extended between a first lateral edge 4' thereof fixed
to the take-up roller and a second lateral edge 4" thereof opposite the first lateral
edge 4'. Preferably, the sheet 4 wound around the take-up roller passes through a
vertical slit which is obtained on a lateral wall of the rolling shutter box 20 which
is directed towards the opening A.
[0050] The sheet 4 can be intended for attaining a darkening screen, e.g. in substitution
of a roller shutter, of a brise soleil screen for filtering sunlight or for making
a mosquito netting. Generally, the sheet 4 can be dedicated to closing the opening
of a door/window/shutter in order to protect an internal area from the sun and/or
from the wind and/or, more generally, from the atmospheric conditions of the outside
environment.
[0051] In accordance with the invention, the fabric roller blind 1 also comprises a handle
bar 5, slidably associated with the support frame 2, preferably between the lateral
upright 21 and the lateral abutmemt 22. The handle bar 5 is extended along an extension
axis Z between a lower termination 5', preferably connected to the lower guide 24,
and an upper termination 5", preferably connected to the upper guide 23, and is provided
with an axial cavity 50.
[0052] Advantageously, the handle bar 5 is attained with a hollow tubular body, in particular
obtained with an aluminum extrusion which is preferably made in a single body, and
the aforesaid axial cavity 50 is defined inside the aforesaid hollow tubular section.
Advantageously, the handle bar 5 is fixed to the second lateral edge 4" of the sheet
4, in order to allow the unwinding of the sheet 4 from the take-up roller in order
to selectively arrange it to cover and open the opening A.
[0053] More in detail, the handle bar 5 is advantageously movable between an open position,
in which it is placed at the take-up roller, and in particular it is placed in abutment
against the rolling shutter box 20, freeing the opening A from the sheet 4, and a
closed position, in which the handle bar 5 is placed in distal position with respect
to the take-up roller, preferably in abutment against the lateral abutment element
22, with the sheet 4 which is placed to cover the opening A.
[0054] The fabric roller blind 1 also comprises at least two synchronization chains 6, 7,
mechanically connected to the support frame 2 and mechanically connected to each other.
[0055] The synchronization chains 6, 7 are subjected to a tensioning force Ft and are adapted
to synchronize the advancement of the terminations 5', 5" of the handle bar 5 during
its movement. In particular, the synchronization chains 6, 7 advantageously allow
moving the handle bar 5, maintaining the terminations 5', 5" thereof substantially
aligned along the extension axis Z and hence maintaining the handle bar 5 in a substantially
vertical position.
[0056] More in detail, with the expression "tensioning force" it will be intended hereinbelow
the resultant of the forces acting on a point of connection between the two synchronization
chains 6, 7. In particular, such tensioning force Ft, during the normal use of the
blind 1, is preferably ascribable substantially to only the weight force of one portion
of the synchronization chain connected to the lateral upright 21 which is housed within
the axial cavity 50 of the handle bar 5.
[0057] The synchronization chains 6, 7 comprise a first synchronization chain 6, provided
with a first internal end 6A housed inside the handle bar 5, and in particular in
the axial cavity 50, and slidable within this.
[0058] Advantageously, the first synchronization chain 6 is also provided with a first external
end 6B, which is connected to the support frame 2, preferably to the lateral abutment
element 22, or to the upper margin of the section that forms such lateral abutment
element 22.
[0059] Advantageously, the first synchronization chain 6 is therefore susceptible of being
extended above the opening A of the load-bearing structure of the building.
[0060] The synchronization chains 6, 7 also comprise a second synchronization chain 7, provided
with a second internal end 7A, mechanically connected to the first internal end 6A
of the first synchronization chain 6, housed inside the handle bar 5, and in particular
to the axial cavity 50, and slidable within this.
[0061] Advantageously, the second synchronization chain 7 is provided with a second external
end 7B, connected to the support frame 2, preferably to the base 21A of the lateral
upright 21.
[0062] Advantageously, the second synchronization chain 7 is therefore susceptible of being
extended below the opening A of the load-bearing structure of the building.
[0063] As can be appreciated from the enclosed figures, the first synchronization chain
6 enters the handle bar 5, being bent downward, i.e. defining a first concavity directed
towards the lateral abutment element 22. In turn, the second synchronization chain
7 enters the handle bar 5, being bent upward, with a second concavity directed towards
the lateral upright 21.
[0064] Advantageously, the two synchronization chains 6, 7 define, at any one intermediate
position of the handle bar 5, an S-shaped progression mirrored with respect to an
axis passing through the handle bar 5, as can be appreciated in figure 1.
[0065] Of course, without departing from the protective scope of the present patent, such
S-shaped mirrored progression can, in an entirely equivalent manner, be S-shaped (non-mirrored)
with the first external end 7B of the second synchronization chain 7 connected to
the upper end of the lateral upright 21 and with the second internal end 7A of the
second synchronization chain 7 connected to the lateral abutment element 22 at the
base of the support frame 2. In this case the first concavity will be directed towards
the lateral upright 21 instead of towards the lateral abutment element 22 and the
second concavity will be directed towards the lateral abutment element 22.
[0066] The fabric roller blind 1 also comprises adjustment means 8, which are placed within
the handle bar 5 (within the axial cavity 50) and comprise a first adjustment body
9, connected to the first synchronization chain 6, preferably at the first internal
end 6A, and a second adjustment body 10, connected to the second synchronization chain
7, preferably to the second internal end 7A, and to the first adjustment body 9.
[0067] Advantageously, the adjustment bodies 9, 10 are made of a polymer material and are
rigidly fixed to the synchronization chains 6, 7 and the tensioning force Ft is distributed
thereon such that the two adjustment bodies 9, 10 are moved away or close by the aforesaid
tensioning force Ft.
[0068] In accordance with the idea underlying the present invention, the second adjustment
body 10 comprises at least one longitudinal guide 12, substantially parallel to the
extension axis Z and along which the first adjustment body 9 is slidably free to be
moved. In this manner the first adjustment body 9 and the second adjustment body 10
are slidably and guidedly engaged, in order to move the first internal end 6A and
the second internal end 7A close to or away from each other.
[0069] In addition, at least one between the first adjustment body 9 and the second adjustment
body 10 comprises at least one first pressure element 11, which is susceptible of
exerting a friction force Fa between the first adjustment body 9 and the second adjustment
body 10, retaining the first adjustment body 9 constrained in an operative position
along the longitudinal guide 12, with tensioning forces Ft between the synchronization
chains 6, 7 lower than the friction force Fa.
[0070] More in detail, with the expression "operative position" it will be intended hereinbelow
the mutual position between the adjustment bodies 9, 10 (and consequently a mutual
position between the synchronization chains 6, 7) which allows positioning the handle
bar 5 substantially vertical, with the two terminations 5', 5" aligned along the extension
direction Z.
[0071] In this manner it is therefore possible to retain the handle bar 5 in the aforesaid
vertical position during the normal use of the fabric roller blind, since the forces
at play exchanged between the two synchronization chains 6, 7 (equivalent to the tensioning
force Ft) are smaller than the friction force Fa and do not allow the mutual sliding
of the two adjustment bodies 9, 10.
[0072] In this manner, moreover, in case of misalignments of the handle bar 5 (for example
due to impact or incorrect movements of the handle bar 5), it is possible to easily
realign the handle bar 5, adjusting the distance between the two adjustment bodies
9, 10.
[0073] More in detail, it is possible to vary the relative distance between the first ends
6A, 7A of the two synchronization chains 6, 7 by means of the application of an external
force Fe greater than the friction force Fa (or which summed with the pre-existing
tensioning force Ft is greater than the friction force Fa), in order to induce the
mutual sliding of the adjustment bodies 9, 10.
[0074] In operation, it is therefore advantageously possible first of all to induce the
relative sliding of the first adjustment body 9 along the second adjustment body 10,
by applying an external force Fe greater than the friction force Fa, and subsequently
constrain the two adjustment bodies 9, 10 (and the two synchronization chains 6, 7)
into the operative position, terminating the application of the external adjustment
force Fe upon reaching the desired operative position.
[0075] In operation, the above-described adjustment is for example attainable by acting
on one of the two terminations 5', 5" of the handle bar 5 in order to align it with
the other termination, or alternatively by bringing the handle bar 5 in abutment against
the lateral abutment 22 (or the lateral upright 21) in order to force the alignment
of the handle bar 5.
[0076] In accordance with the preferred embodiment, illustrated in the enclosed figures,
the first adjustment body 9 has elongated shape and is extended along an extension
axis substantially parallel to the extension direction Z, between a first upper end
9', preferably connected to the first internal end 6A of the first synchronization
chain 6, and a first lower end 9", connected to the second adjustment body 10.
[0077] Advantageously the first synchronization chain 6 is provided with at least one engagement
hole, which is preferably made at the first internal end 6A, in particular at the
last element of the carriage that constitutes the synchronization chain 6.
[0078] Advantageously, the first adjustment body 9 is provided with first coupling means
91, made at the first upper end 9'. Preferably, the first coupling means 91 comprise
at least one pin 910, which engages the aforesaid engagement hole made on the first
internal end 6A of the first synchronization chain 6.
[0079] Advantageously, the second adjustment body 10 has elongated shape and is extended
along an extension axis substantially parallel to the extension direction Z, between
a second lower end 10", preferably connected to the second internal end 7A of the
second synchronization chain 7, and a second upper end 10', preferably connected to
the first upper end 9' of the first adjustment body 9.
[0080] Advantageously, the second adjustment body 10 is provided with second coupling means
(not represented), preferably made at the second lower end 10". Preferably, the second
coupling means comprise two holes, made laterally with respect to the second adjustment
body 10, transverse with respect to the extension direction Z, which are engaged by
corresponding pins obtained on the second internal end 7A of the second synchronization
chain 7.
[0081] Of course, without departing from the protective scope of the present invention,
the first adjustment body 9 and the second adjustment body 10 are made in a single
body respectively with the first synchronization chain 6 and with the second synchronization
chain 7.
[0082] Preferably the first adjustment body 9 has substantially prismatic shape and is extended,
orthogonal to the extension direction Z, between a first wall 91, directed towards
the second adjustment body 10, and a second wall 92, opposite the first wall 91, preferably
parallel to the first wall 91 and preferably parallel to the extension direction Z.
[0083] Preferably the second adjustment body 10 has substantially prismatic shape and is
extended, orthogonal to the extension direction Z, between a third wall 103, directed
towards the first adjustment body 9, and a fourth wall 104, opposite the third wall
103, which are preferably substantially parallel to each other and to the extension
direction Z. The first wall 91 of the first adjustment body 9 and the third wall 103
of the second adjustment body 10 are facing and placed substantially parallel.
[0084] Advantageously, the first adjustment body 9 is provided with at least one first friction
surface 90 and the second adjustment body 10 is provided with a second friction surface
100. Preferably, the first and the second friction surface 90, 100 are substantially
planar and parallel, in order to allow a linear mutual sliding of the first adjustment
body 9 and of the second adjustment body 10.
[0085] Advantageously, the first wall 91 of the first adjustment body 9 and the third wall
103 of the second adjustment body 10 at least partially define the first friction
surface 90 and the second friction surface 100.
[0086] Advantageously, the first adjustment body 9 is slidably engaged in the longitudinal
guide 12 with a transverse clearance G, oriented along a direction substantially orthogonal
to the extension axis Z of the handle bar 5.
[0087] More in detail, the transverse clearance G is to be intended as a clearance that
is present in the event in which the first adjustment body 9 and the second adjustment
body 10 are released, without any force that pushes them in abutment against each
other.
[0088] The clearance G is for example due to the normal tolerances of the production processes
used for attaining the adjustment bodies 9, 10. Otherwise, the clearance G is due
to the wear caused by the friction between the first and the second adjustment body
9, 10, and can be increased during the normal use of the fabric roller blind 1, in
particular after a high number of opening/closing cycles of the handle bar 5.
[0089] The action of the first pressure element 11 constantly overcomes the aforesaid clearance
G and carries the first friction surface 90 of the first adjustment body 9 in contact
with the second friction surface 100 of the second adjustment body 10 in order to
retain, connected in abutment, the first adjustment body 9 and the second adjustment
body 10. Therefore the transverse clearance G is advantageously absent during the
normal use of the fabric roller blind 1 due to the continuous transverse force exerted
by the pressure element 11.
[0090] In this manner the pressure element 11 therefore advantageously allows constantly
recovering, during the normal use of the fabric roller blind 1, the clearance G generated
between the two adjustment bodies 9, 10 and allows the adjustment means 8 to be self-adapted
in order to maintain the two friction surfaces 90, 100 constantly in abutment and
prevent the moving apart of the adjustment bodies 9, 10.
[0091] Advantageously, the second adjustment body 10 comprises a concavity and the longitudinal
guide 12 comprises a guide channel 120, defined by the aforesaid concavity.
[0092] More in detail, the guide channel 120 has substantially C-shaped form and is preferably
delimited by three walls connected to each other, including a bottom wall, preferably
coinciding with the third wall 103, and two lateral walls, projecting from the aforesaid
bottom wall.
[0093] Advantageously, the first adjustment body 9 is at least partially housed in the guide
channel 120 in order to slide guidedly along the latter.
[0094] Preferably, the second adjustment body 10 is provided with an upper opening, made
at the second upper end 10' of the second adjustment body 10. The aforesaid upper
opening is arranged for slidably housing the first adjustment body 9 such that the
latter is substantially aligned with the second adjustment body 10.
[0095] Advantageously, one between the first adjustment body 9 and the second adjustment
body 10 comprises at least one first stop portion 14, and the other comprises at least
one first abutment portion 15 adapted to abut against the first stop portion 14 in
order to stop the mutual sliding of the adjustment bodies 9, 10.
[0096] In accordance with the preferred embodiment, illustrated in the enclosed figures,
the second adjustment body 10 comprises two first stop portions 14, which are made
on the third wall 103 of the second adjustment body 10, projecting from the latter
and substantially orthogonal to the extension direction Z. Advantageously, each first
stop portion 14 comprises two walls 140, which are preferably made by opposite edges
of the third wall 103 of the second adjustment body 10 and at least partially delimit,
with the aforesaid third wall 103, the guide channel 120.
[0097] In accordance with the aforesaid embodiment, the first adjustment body 9 comprises
a first abutment portion 15, which is made on the second wall 92 of the first adjustment
body 9.
[0098] More in detail, the first abutment portion 15 comprises a bracket 150 transverse
to the extension direction Z, which is made in proximity to the first lower end 9"
of the first adjustment body 9 and is extended for an extension greater than the width
of the first adjustment body 9 along a direction orthogonal to the extension direction
Z. Advantageously, the first abutment portion 15 is placed outside the guide channel
120, preferably in abutment against the walls 140 of the first stop portion 14, in
order to define a guide surface with the latter.
[0099] In this manner, during the mutual sliding of the two adjustment bodies 9, 10, the
first abutment portion 15 guides the first adjustment body 9 along the longitudinal
guide 12. In addition, the first abutment portion 15 prevents the lateral exit of
the adjustment body 9 from the guide channel 120, abutting against the first stop
portions 14.
[0100] Advantageously, one between the first adjustment body 9 and the second adjustment
body 10 comprises at least one second stop portion 16, and the other comprises at
least one second abutment portion 17 adapted to abut against the second stop portion
16 in order to prevent the mutual moving apart of the adjustment bodies 9, 10, along
a direction substantially orthogonal to the extension axis Z.
[0101] Advantageously the second stop portion 16 is made on the second adjustment body 10,
in particular on the first stop portion 14 of the second adjustment body 10. More
in detail, the second stop portion 16 preferably comprises two protrusions 160, made
on the opposite walls of the first stop portion and which are extended substantially
orthogonal to the extension direction Z.
[0102] In addition, the first adjustment body 9 comprises a second abutment portion 17,
preferably defined by the second wall 92 of the same first adjustment body 9, on opposite
sides of the second wall 92. Advantageously, the second abutment portion 17 is susceptible
of sliding against the second stop portion 16, such to increase the guide surface
during the sliding of the adjustment bodies 9, 10.
[0103] In addition, in this manner, the first adjustment body 9 housed within the guide
channel 120 is prevent from moving away from the second adjustment body 10 (along
a direction orthogonal to the extension direction Z) due to mechanical engagement
between the second abutment portion 17 and the second stop portion 16.
[0104] Of course, without departing from the protective scope of the present invention,
the first stop portion 14 and the second stop portion 16, with the relative first
and second abutment portions 15, 17 can be shaped different from that described above,
as long as the technical effect of preventing the separation of the two adjustment
bodies 9, 10 is maintained along two directions that are transverse to each other
and substantially orthogonal to the extension direction Z.
[0105] Advantageously, the pressure element 11 comprises at least one magnet 110, which
exerts a magnetic return force Fr and retains in abutment the first adjustment body
9 and the second adjustment body 10.
[0106] More in detail, the magnet 110 is preferably selected from among a neodymium magnet,
a ferrite magnet, samarium-cobalt magnet, alnico magnets or another type of magnet
suitable for such purpose.
[0107] Advantageously, the other adjustment body 9, 10 (not comprising the magnet 110) comprises
at least one second pressure element 13, made of a magnetic or ferromagnetic material,
which is magnetically connected to the first pressure element 11 in order to retain
the first adjustment body 9 and the second adjustment body 10 connected to each other.
[0108] Hereinbelow, for sake of description simplicity, reference will be made to the preferred
embodiment, in which the first pressure element 11 is connected to the first adjustment
body 9 and the second pressure element 13 is connected to the second adjustment body
10; nevertheless, it is possible to reverse the adjustment bodies 9, 10 to which the
two pressure elements 11, 13 are connected, of course without departing from the protective
scope of the present patent.
[0109] More in detail, in accordance with the preferred embodiment, illustrated in the enclosed
figures, the second pressure element 13 is made of a ferromagnetic material, e.g.
iron, and comprises advantageously a metallic plate 130.
[0110] Preferably, the second pressure element 13 is integral with the second adjustment
body 10 by means of retention means of known type, such as for example screws, rivets
or alternatively by means of the application of a glue layer.
[0111] Advantageously, the second pressure element 13 is retained in the guide channel 120
by means of fitting engagement, for example by means of one or more shoulders projecting
from the second adjustment body 10 within the guide channel 120, in order to interfere
with the second pressure element 13 and retain it in position.
[0112] In accordance with the aforesaid preferred embodiment the metallic plate 130 is at
least partially housed within the longitudinal guide 12 of the second adjustment body
10, preferably within the guide channel 120 and is still more preferably set on a
bottom wall of the guide channel 120 itself, which preferably coincides with the third
wall 103 of the second adjustment body 10.
[0113] Otherwise, in accordance with an embodiment variant illustrated in the enclosed figures
the second pressure element 13 is a second magnet, connected to the second adjustment
body 10, for example within the guide channel 120.
[0114] Advantageously, at least one between the first pressure element 11 and the second
pressure element 13 at least partially defines the first friction surface 90 or the
second friction surface 100. Preferably, both the pressure elements 11, 13 define
the friction surface 90, 100 and in particular the first pressure element 11 at least
partially defines the first friction surface 90 of the first adjustment body 9, while
the second pressure element 13 at least partially defines the second friction surface
100 of the second adjustment body 10.
[0115] In this manner the adjustment bodies 9, 10 are slidably engaged by means of the slidable
engagement of the two pressure elements 11, 13.
[0116] Of course, it is also possible to connect one or both pressure elements at a rear
portion of the adjustment bodies 9, 10, in particular at the second wall 92 of the
first adjustment body 9 and at the fourth wall 104 of the second adjustment body 10.
[0117] In such case, the two adjustment bodies 9, 10 are advantageously made of metallic
material and are therefore at least partially placed within the magnetic field generated
by the two pressure elements 11, 13, hence in order to be maintained with the respective
friction surfaces 90, 100 in abutment against the action of the magnetic force between
the two pressure elements 11, 13.
[0118] Advantageously, at least one between the first adjustment body 9 and the second adjustment
body 10 is provided with a housing seat S, adapted to at least partially house the
first pressure element 11.
[0119] More in detail, the first housing seat S is counter-shaped with respect to the first
pressure element 11 in order to receive it substantially to size.
[0120] Advantageously, the first housing seat S is extended in depression from the first
wall 91 of the first adjustment body 9, up to a bottom wall thereof, hence preferably
being blind. Advantageously, the first pressure element 11 is disc-shaped, and is
extended between a first external face 11', directed towards the second adjustment
body 10, and a first internal face 11", opposite the first external face 11'.
[0121] Preferably, the housing seat S is provided with a depth (measured along a direction
substantially orthogonal to the extension direction Z) which is substantially equal
to the depth of the first pressure element 11.
[0122] In this manner the first external face 11' of the first pressure element 11 is substantially
coplanar, preferably continuously, with the first wall 91 of the first adjustment
body 9. Advantageously, the first adjustment body 9 is provided, on its second wall
92, with a fixing portion 93, which is extended projecting from the second wall 92
and is provided with a threaded hole, placed in communication with the housing seat
S. Advantageously, the first pressure element 11 is provided with a hole, preferably
through, which is aligned with the threaded hole of the fixing portion 93 when the
pressure element 11 is housed within the first housing seat S, so as to connect the
first pressure element 11 and the first adjustment body 9 by means of for example
a screw placed to traverse the aforesaid through hole and the threaded hole made in
the fixing portion 93 of the first adjustment body 9.
[0123] Of course, without departing from the protective scope of the present invention,
the first pressure element 11 can be otherwise connected to the first adjustment body
9, by means of connection means that are well-known to the man skilled in the art
and therefore not described in detail hereinbelow.
[0124] In accordance with an embodiment variant, not illustrated in the enclosed figures,
the first pressure element 11 comprises at least one spring (not represented), which
exerts an elastic return force Fr, is placed as a mechanical connection between the
adjustment bodies 9, 10 and retains them in abutment.
[0125] Advantageously, the spring of the first pressure element 11 is placed as a mechanical
connection (directly or indirectly) between the first and the second adjustment body
9, 10.
[0126] For example, it is possible to connect the spring to the adjustment bodies 9, 10
indirectly, by interposing two thrust plates, each of which connected to an adjustment
body 9, 10.
[0127] In such case, the spring of the pressure element 11 is extended between a first end,
which is fixed to an adjustment body 9, 10 (directly or indirectly) and a second end,
which is connected to an element that is slidable with respect to the other adjustment
body 9, 10, in order to allow the sliding of the spring of the pressure element 11
also during the mutual sliding of the adjustment bodies 9, 10.
[0128] Advantageously, the pressure element 11 comprises two springs, which are connected
to the adjustment bodies 9, 10 as described above, preferably from opposite sides
with respect to the aforesaid adjustment bodies 9, 10.
[0129] Advantageously, the first friction surface 90 and the second friction surface 100
are respectively provided at least with a first roughness R1 and at least with a second
roughness R2, which define a static friction coefficient µs between the first friction
surface 90 and the second friction surface 100, and the friction force Fa is generated
between the first friction surface 90 of the first adjustment body 9 and between the
second friction surface 100 of the second adjustment body 10 and is equal to the product
between the return force Fr, exerted by the first pressure element 11, and the static
friction coefficient µs and is preferably greater than 20 N.
[0130] In this manner it is possible to vary as desired the roughness of the friction surfaces
90, 100 or alternatively the return force Fr exerted by the first pressure element
11 so as to reach the desired friction force Fa.
[0131] The fabric roller blind 1 and its operating method thus conceived therefore attain
the pre-established objects.